Let's Go Green in Academics

The role of education for human sustainable development is to contribute to making this possible. Only education can give people the environmental and ethical awareness, values and attitudes, skills and behavior needed for sustainable developme

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nt. To achieve this, education needs to explain not only the physical and biological environment, but the socio-economic environment and human development. To be effective it should deal with the dynamics of both and be integrated in all disciplines. However, many people do not understand the close ties between human activities and the environments because they have inaccurate or insufficient information or are not accustomed to systemic thinking and are not used to look ahead and deal with global outlooks.

Unfortunately, DePaul University does not offer students seeking professional degrees that deal with different aspects of the environment or sustainability. An active research program is a vital component to DePaul’s School of Public Service. A graduate degree program will prepare students to concentrate their study and research within a well-defined subject area, pursuing fewer and more advanced topics to a greater depth than do students in a regular master’s program.

The sustainability master’s program has been implemented in other universities across the country. Universities such as Arizona State University, Illinois State University and Duke University have all incorporated a master’s program that focus specifically on the environment at large. According to a US News Report, Arizona State's program has more than 600 students who have declared sustainability a major. Illinois State University has 65 majors in renewable energy, the report says. MIT and the University of California–Berkeley, among many others, have also seen more students drawn to sustainability programs.
Students enrolled in these courses conduct research on and implement projects that advance sustainability. For example, students at Illinois State University have the opportunity to enroll in sustainability program called Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Design. Students in this course would address the economics and logistics of implementing strategies to conserve resources and reduce the negative impacts of the built environment. Students will collaborate in interdisciplinary teams on projects to investigate opportunities to reduce the negative environmental impacts of the campus and community and increase the positive impacts. Another example of an academic sustainability program would include the University of California-Berkeley Master’s of Science in Sustainability. This M.S program in Environmental Science, Policy and Management integrates the biological, physical, and social sciences to provide advanced education in these fields. We develop critical analytical skills and the ability to conduct ecosystems research at molecular, organism, and global scales and within interlinked human social system.

Sustainability and green majors are allowing major universities to prepare their students for the green economy. With engineering and energy development focused on sustainability and green design: these majors are a great, interdisciplinary way of allowing students to study and prepare for new careers. Employment in the sustainability field is growing at a rate faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The predicted rate for the period 2008-2018 is 28%. Much of this growth is due to increased awareness of environmental problems. As of May 2008, median salaries for environmental scientists were $59,750 annually, according to the BLS.

Many of DePaul University initiatives are focusing on making the campus more sustainable. These new sustainability initiatives include reducing energy and water usage, increasing waste diversion, creating more alternative transportation options, offering sustainable dining choices, implementing green cleaning, offering eco housing, purchasing environmentally preferred products and planting native species. However, education for sustainability will be a lifelong learning process affirming values and actions which contribute to human and social transformation and ecological preservation.

This requires the institution to pay more attention to sustainability and academics curriculum. Through environmental and sustainability studies students will think deeply about the challenges and solutions to the problems of the environment and appreciate that living honorably includes protecting our environment and resources. The responsibility to educate students to think critically about sustainability issues and solutions should be embedded within the mission of DePaul University.

Posted by: Sabrina Purdis
Photo Credits: www.uwgb.edu/academics
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DePaul Wastes No Time

Every human being impacts the environment through simple practices that we may or may not realize is harmful. Though the effects themselves may seem minute or insignificant, the cumulative effects of wasteful habits add up to a significant factor in global warming. DePaul University has taken huge strides to emphasize the development of new sources that will reduce our carbon footprint. DePaul has been actively involved in recycling for more than 25 years.

DePaul has adopted new innovated way to separate recyclables from waste.

This "Single Stream" Recycle Program serves to recycle all office paper, newspapers, catalogs, magazines and discarded mail. Items are collected in the over one hundred recycle stations that are located throughout the various building hallways on campus are collected every Monday and Thursday of each week, or as needed, and it is placed in ABITIBI bins located in various locations on campus. ABITIBI-Bowater (one of the largest recyclers of paper materials in North America) empties the bins each week. This current practice engages a combination of recycling directly from containers placed across the campuses for the community to "clean sort" product into...and vendor "in-plant" sorting or extraction of certain recyclable products (i.e. plastics, aluminum & glass) out of the general waste stream. As a result, according to Allied Waste, the 2009 DePaul Lincoln Park campus recycling program saved:12,611 Trees,3,043,069 KW Electricity,281,093 Gallons of oil,5,192,950 Gallons of water,2,226 Yards Diverted from Landfills.

DePaul also handle other environmental outreach efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. For example, DePaul University has partnered with the department of Environmental of Health and Safety (EHS) to establish the “Battery Recycling Program”. This partnership allows DePaul students to dispose rechargeable batteries, used cell phones, and alkaline batteries at six different locations throughout the campus. This program is aimed to teach students that less is more and we can make a big difference in the amount of waste that’s generated by using less energy and fewer materials.

The combined results have DePaul recycling an average of 70 to 80 tons of materials on a monthly basis. This does not include the quantity of cardboard product that the food service provider recycles on a bi-weekly basis. According to the U.S Department of Energy, it estimates that newspapers from recycled paper save 40 percent of the energy, plastics from recycled plastic save 70 percent of the energy, and a ton of paper made from recycled paper saves 17 trees. In addition, the aluminum and steel from recycled cell phones and batteries saves 95 and 60 percent of the energy consumption respectively.

In the same way, DePaul recycled product are also being utilized during construction and remodeling projects in the form of recycled plastics toilet partitions and other specialty finish elements which accounts for 90 percent of recycled items.

DePaul strives to improve and educate the campus community by installing more recycling containers on campus and are partnering with Student Government and Environmental Sciences to help promote better recycling efforts by the students and faculty members. Continued success in this area will result in marked increase in the tonnage of goods recycled on campus and increase student participation.

Posted by: Sabrina Purdis
Photo Credits: DePaul University

Water Conservation: Conservation through Bathroom Visits

DePaul has taken significant steps in its efforts to conserve water on campus through various means, such as installation of low flow showerheads and faucets in its residence halls. Other initiatives include installation of dual flush toilets in the LEED certified building at McGowan South. In addition to dual flush toilets, bathrooms at DePaul already have motion activated water faucets, which also help reduce the use of water. However there is another method to significantly reduce water consumption through bathroom activities at DePaul which has been considered.

DePaul’s Facility Operations website indicates that DePaul also hopes to install waterless urinals on its campus sometime in the near future. Waterless urinals such as those provided by the Waterless Company help to conserve as much as 20,000 to 45,000 gallons of water per year, depending on daily use. Unfortunately, currently in the City of Chicago, it is against city regulations to have waterless urinals due to city building codes that require commercial buildings to have copper piping in indoor plumbing. Waterless urinals require non copper piping or other forms of plumbing material such as pipes made from Polyvinle chloride (PVC). At one point, waterless urinals were installed at City Hall, and were eventually removed due to urine buildup behind the wall caused by corrosion in the piping. The urine buildup caused a stench in the bathrooms which should be prevented by a gel like seal in the urinal if the pipes are not corroded. Proper maintenance and cleaning would prevent odor and cleanliness issues. Other reasons the City of Chicago may resist changing codes to allow waterless urinals in the city may be due to resistance from plumber unions. Installation of waterless urinals would result in less work for plumbers as the new urinals would cut down on the work required to fix and maintain water related products. The City of Chicago and surrounding areas are extremely lucky to have an abundant source of fresh water that comes from Lake Michigan. Although Chicago may have such a rich supply of water, the source is not infinite. It is estimated that about 1 billion gallons of water is pumped from Lake Michigan on a daily basis for use in the Chicago region alone! It’s unimaginable the amount of water that could be saved by installing waterless urinals around the city, especially in commercial and high traffic buildings.

Although schools like DePaul are unable to install waterless urinals, other schools around the country have taken the steps to conserve water on their campus by installing these water saving bathroom fixtures. Schools like the University of California at Santa Barbara have already installed over 50 waterless urinals on campus which will lead to water conservation up to 2 million gallons of water per year. Other schools such as Hartford Community College have installed waterless urinals on their campus and will continue to replace conventional urinals with waterless urinals as renovation projects get underway. The desire to install waterless urinals at DePaul exists, however it will need the support of the City of Chicago to champion the efforts of water sustainability and conservation on campus as well as within the city.

Posted by: Julio C. Puentes

Image Credit: Lab Safety Supply

The Importance of an Office of Sustainability

While DePaul promotes sustainability on many levels, it does not seem as if there is one central Office of Sustainability. Having a centralized office could help in even further promoting sustainable practices and methods at DePaul. DePaul’s neighbor to the north, Loyola University Chicago, has taken the initiative to create an Office of Sustainability within their Center for Urban Environmental Research and Policy (CUERP). This office has several goals and initiatives, all of which are centralized under the umbrella of the Office of Sustainability.

The office has several initiatives that engage the student body, faculty, and surrounding community. One huge undertaking has been the Biodiesel program. As a graduate of Loyola, I remember when this program first started. It began very small and grassroots, but has become something quite larger. It now supplies 5% of the fuel to the campus’ shuttles. While this is just a small example of one initiative of the Office of Sustainability, there are several more. What is truly interesting about the Loyola example is how they have attempted to centralize several sustainable initiatives in one office. This makes it much easier to record and measure the successes and failures of sustainable practices and methods.

While DePaul has several sustainable initiatives, including a commission on sustainability, having one centralized office presiding over all if not most of the sustainable initiatives would make things much easier. In addition to having several different sustainable activities, CUERP and the Office of Sustainability have a degree program in Environmental Studies and Sciences. They approach sustainability through a multi-system, and multi-disciplinary approach. Loyola and DePaul have a lot of similarities. Both are Catholic institutions with similar goals, missions, and values. They are both urban campuses with several locations in the city. They have similar challenges and unique opportunities for developing sustainable living and practices.

The Office of Sustainability has the following goals: “The Center for Urban Environmental Research and Policy's office of sustainability advances Loyola University Chicago's mission to create a more sustainable university community. Doing this requires the collaboration, cooperation and creativity of every department and office and of students, faculty and staff in our academic community. Together we're building awareness, taking initiative and transforming our university into one that will lead us sustainability down the path of ecological and social responsibility.” When reading this passage, it could easily be mistaken for a DePaul mission. DePaul has taken some first steps in creating a centralized office. Having a commission on sustainability is a positive step towards the centralization of sustainable activities. While it may be difficult, the formation of one Office of Sustainability could be incredibly advantageous. Loyola is just one example of a similar university to DePaul who has taken sustainability to the next level. There are universities all over the United States who have taken many extra steps to creating the most sustainable practices possible. DePaul is on a positive path to sustainability and only needs a few more things to create the framework to truly promote sustainable practices and living.

Posted by: Timothy Scheel

Photo courtesy of : Loyola University Chicago

Engagement of the Mind and Body

DePaul possesses an active and passionate student body and faculty; one that is focused on service and revolves around Vincentian values. DePaul has taken the initiative and engaged students on several levels to promote sustainable living practices. An area in which students have been consistently engaged is in the realm of campus recreation. In addition to making the actual campus recreation facilities greener, DePaul promotes healthy living with the goal of sustainability.

There are two campus recreation programs that really stand out in terms of sustainable practices. The first of these is the Green Steps walking program. This program, a part of the Wellness Center, encourages DePaul faculty to record their steps every day with a free pedometer. This program, currently only available to DePaul staff and faculty, encourages healthy living practices. It also builds a team spirit and connects the faculty on a higher level. The results of this program are multi-fold. On one level, the faculty is encouraged to use alternative forms of transportation. To reach their step goal every day, the simply must walk more. Because they are walking more they are encouraged to use a more sustainable mode of transportation. The program also engages the faculty to use healthy living practices in their own lives. This example is a very good one for the student body. If the faculty and staff are engaging their own health through sustainable practices, it can inspire the student body to do the same. It also shows DePaul’s commitment to engaging both the students and the faculty.

A program in Campus Recreation that engages students while promoting sustainability is the Spring Break Ozarks Volunteer Vacation. Because this program is with Campus Recreation, it engages students to practice healthy living at its core. Students travel to the Ozark Mountains, and help to construct the Buffalo National River Trail. This trip aligns with Vincentian values of service, and helps to make a sustainable trail that will be enjoyed for generations. Students have the chance to not only marvel at the beauty of the Ozark Mountains, but they have the chance to practice sustainable living. They are not only exercising their body, but they are also engaging their mind and making the world around them a better place.

DePaul, through the Wellness Center, also has a Bicycling Initiative. The website states, “Our valued mission is to enhance the quality of life within the DePaul community. The bicycling initiative is an extension to this mission, meant to create a balance between nature and humankind. Changing your transportation mode(s) is understandably difficult. But making small changes to your transportation routine can lead to a more active and healthy lifestyle that promotes the wellness of DePaul’s surrounding community and environment.” By promoting bicycling, and other healthy modes of transportation, DePaul is not only engaging its students and faculty to live healthy lives, but also to live sustainable lives.

While these three programs are just three examples of DePaul’s sustainable practices, they are three very important examples of what the university is doing to engage its students to live healthy, sustainable lives.

Posted by: Timothy Scheel

Photo courtesy of : DePaul University

Students Pursue Sustainable Development at DePaul

Student interest in issues surrounding sustainability is growing. The Sierra Club website, Cool Schools for 2010 quotes a Princeton Review survey in which “two-thirds of university applicants say that a school’s environmental report card would influence whether they’d enroll.”

DePaul is actively addressing the environmental impact of the University through programs designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the physical operation of the campus including; recycling programs, switching to more energy efficient lighting systems, replacing heating and cooling systems, maintaining a green roof and completing a certified Gold LEED building on the Lincoln Park Campus. DePaul is also addressing sustainability in the areas of transportation,lfood services and dorm life.

DePaul is not limiting efforts in sustainable development to the physical plant of the University. Interest in sustainability has moved DePaul to incorporate sustainable development into the curriculum and student life. At DePaul students can pursue their interests in sustainability in a number of ways including coursework, community outreach programs and student groups.

Academics:

For Undergraduates, The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers an Environmental Science Program with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a B.S. in Environmental Sciences. The Environmental Science Department also maintains a helpful link with information about environmental jobs, careers and internships. The School of New Learning also offers courses for undergraduates that explore environmental sustainability including SW: 341 Ecology of Personal Life and for the fall 2010 term, a retreat style course SW: 315 Environmental Ethics and Sustainability, in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Kellstadt Graduate School of Business not only offers courses with sustainability as a central focus (including social entrepreneurship and sustainability) but the school also offers the option of a degree concentration in Sustainable Management. The Sustainable Management concentration encourages framing business strategy to incorporate environmental and social concerns.

Many of the courses the School of Public Service, SPS, incorporate issues of sustainable development into the curriculum including: 511 Sustainable Development and NGOs, 572 Urban Poverty, 571 Metropolitan Planning and 604 Environmental Policy, among others. Several of the Study Abroad opportunities in SPS have a strong focus on sustainable development including programs in Chiapas, Mexico, India, Kenya and the Philippines.

DePaul’s Continuing and Professional Education arm offers a Certificate in Sustainability Design and Construction as well as a Certificate in Sustainability in Business. These certificates are designed for the professional community. The Certificate in Sustainability Design introduces concepts and terminologies of green building and sustainability. The Certificate in Sustainability in Business presents concepts of sustainability practices and how they can impact the bottom line.

Outreach:

The Steans Center for Community-based Service Learning, the Steans Center is dedicated to involving students in community service projects. In 2009, The Steans Center developed a ten week undergraduate internship the HYPERLINK "http://steans.depaul.edu/students/internships/environmental.asp"Environmental Stewardship Community Internship (ESCI) which focuses on urban agriculture and youth development.

Student Organizations:

A number of student organizations at DePaul University are engaged in activities surrounding not only environmental sustainability but also social, political and economic sustainability including;

DePaul Student Government’s Environmental Concerns Committee (ECC) promotes environmental awareness issues by sponsoring various programs as well as working with other student environmental groups and the DePaul Sustainability Initiatives Task Force (SITF).

DePaul Sci Club (Science Club) works with Chicago Public School teachers and students to increase math and science skills through tutoring and class activity programs.

Global Bridges at DePaul (an affiliate of Global Bridges Inc.) works to promote health and sustainable development in various countries including Honduras and Panama.

Outdoor Awareness Club’s aim is to increase environmental awareness through social activities, volunteer opportunities and presentations.

Oxfam America DePaul Chapter primary interests are advocacy surrounding issues of international social justice and poverty.

These are just a few of the many student organizations interested in promoting social and environmental sustainability, you can find more organizations listed in Demon Direct.

~Terri Williams

Photo Credit DePaul University website

DePaul’s Parking Garage is “Showing the Way of Efficiency”

Efficient lighting is a major factor in the city of Chicago. Lighting does not only serve to illuminate. It creates an inviting environment where people gather, where commerce thrives, and where the spirit of a community begins.

Energy consumption is one of the many problems of urbanization, and therefore bad for the environment because it plays the important role in increasing carbon emission.

DePaul University has made a big move for its parking garage lighting, by replacing the metal halide light bulbs and installing efficient LED light bulbs. The original light bulbs ran 210 watts each, while the new LED only consume 90 watts. It is important to save energy in areas such as parking lots, given the fact that the parking garage lights are on 24 hours per day, seven days a week. LED light bulbs consume less than half the energy of old metal halides, and are also durable and very robust, which allows them to easily handle the vibration of traffic.

The new LED light bulbs do not only save energy, but they also lower the frequency of lamp replacement. According to the www.eartheasy.com, LED light bulbs use only 2-10 watts of electricity. Small LED flashlight bulbs will extend battery life 10 to 15 times longer than with incandescent bulbs. Because these bulbs last for years, energy is saved in maintenance and replacement costs. DePaul University is not the only institution switching to LED bulbs. Many cities in the United States are replacing their incandescent traffic light with LED arrays because the electricity costs can be reduced by 80 percent or more.

"DePaul's LED lighting program is one of many environmentally sustainable efforts the university has implemented across our campuses in recent years," said Bob Janis, vice president for Facility Operations in a statement to Cree, Inc., sponsor of the LED University program of which DePaul is now a member. "DePaul is committed to preserving resources for future generations and continuing a variety of eco-friendly initiatives that have garnered national recognition in recent years." With its 25,000 students, and 275 graduate and undergraduate programs, DePaul is the largest Catholic University in the United States. DePaul’s position as a major Catholic institution in the country, gives it a lot of responsibility in leading, not only through education, but through energy efficiency.

Switching light bulbs to LED light bulbs in every university in the country would save energy significantly, and therefore make our world a sustainable environment. DePaul’s motto says, “I will show you the way of wisdom.” I can only hope that DePaul University applies its motto in showing other institutions in Illinois and other states how to efficiently save energy. It is in everyone interest to save the world that we are living in, and DePaul University is doing a formidable job in showing people the way of energy efficiency.


Credit:
http://www.ledsmagazine.com/products/26674
http://www.energy-savingnews.com/2010/08/financial-case-domestic-cfl-led-light-bulb/
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/depaul-university-goes-green-cuts-energy-use-by-60-and-improves-safety-with-sunovias-evolucia-led-lighting-103278804.html
http://www.beiassociates.com/parkingkennedy.html Image credit

Nyenemo P. Sanguma